So I've been working on upgrading my dash/gauge lights over to LED's and wanted to share my progress and also test the waters on a v2 idea that I have for the gauge cluster.

Short story is I have converted all the lights in the hvac, all dash buttons, and gauge cluster over to using a white led back-lighting.

Tell me what you think.

Years ago on my first DSM I did something very similar, but used blue back-lighting, but using a slightly different method at least for the gauge cluster.

OLD:


NEW:

Gauge Cluster




HVAC




HVAC and other buttons


Other buttons


Needle rings




Additional lighting for odometer numbers - Added a strip to top and bottom




And, as far as v2... I'm thinking of creating a board and/or modifying the plastic back-board on the gauge overlays and put smd leds directly on it to more evenly light the gauges rather than how I used leds farther back the the cluster casing to create more of ambient lighting to light the gauges.

This picture is an idea of rings I would use and possible placement of leds on the rings to evenly light the overlays.



The challenge will be to maintain the thinness of the plastic backing... which should possible as I already was able to use a similar method on the needle rings I made.

Anyhow...